Guides
Pedal buying guide
Updated · Independent guide · 7 picks compared
Quick answer
Dual sided pedals in the clipless sense let you clip in on either side, and the versions here add a cage or platform around the mechanism to support your shoe. The Shimano PD-M530 is the budget pick, the Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 and Crankbrothers Mallet E suit trail and enduro riding, and the Shimano PD-T8000 suits touring. If you mean a pedal that clips in on one side and is flat on the other, see clipless pedals for hybrid bikes.
Independent & reader-supported. DrPedal doesn't sell anything. If you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money.
Chosen from current models on manufacturer specs, compatibility and design — not sponsored placements. Amazon buttons open a search for the exact model.
Best for: Commuting, trail riding and riders who want SPD with more support
The PD-M520's double-sided SPD mechanism inside a small cage, which gives flexible shoes more to rest on and protects the mechanism from rock strikes. Same 2-bolt SPD cleats.
Best for: Touring, trekking and long-distance commuting
Shimano's XT-level trekking pedal puts double-sided SPD entry in a wider platform for all-day comfort in touring shoes. It takes the same SM-SH51 and SM-SH56 cleats as other Shimano SPD pedals.
Best for: Trail and enduro riders who want Shimano's SPD feel
XT's trail pedal surrounds the SPD mechanism with a larger platform for support and control on rough descents. It supersedes the older PD-M8020 and uses standard SPD cleats.
Best for: Enduro riders who need a wider stance or more heel clearance
Crankbrothers' enduro platform with traction pins around the four-sided Eggbeater mechanism. LS means long spindle, which moves your feet further out for heel clearance on bikes with wide chainstays or motors. See the Mallet E LS page.
Best for: Downhill and bike park riders
The largest Mallet, with a wide pinned platform for riders who want flat-pedal-like support while clipped in. Same Crankbrothers cleats and four-sided entry. See the Mallet DH page.
Best for: Gravel, XC and trail riders who want a little support without bulk
A small platform around the Eggbeater mechanism: more support than a bare Eggbeater, much less weight than a Mallet. Four-sided entry, 6° float. See the Candy 1 page.
by HT Components
Best for: Trail and enduro riders who want a thin, light clipless platform
A slim double-sided enduro pedal with a platform around the mechanism. It runs HT's own 2-bolt cleats, X1 (4° float) or X1F (8°), rather than Shimano SPD cleats.
Swipe sideways on mobile. "—" means not applicable or not confirmed by the manufacturer.
| Model | Cleat system | Platform | Float | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano PD-M530 | Shimano SPD (2-bolt) | Small cage | 4° | Budget trail, commuting | Check price |
| Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 | Shimano SPD (2-bolt) | Trekking platform | 4° | Touring, trekking | Check price |
| Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 | Shimano SPD (2-bolt) | Trail platform | 4° | Trail, enduro | Check price |
| Crankbrothers Mallet E LS | Crankbrothers (2-bolt) | Enduro platform with pins | 6° | Enduro, e-MTB | Check price |
| Crankbrothers Mallet DH | Crankbrothers (2-bolt) | Large DH platform with pins | 6° | Downhill, bike park | Check price |
| Crankbrothers Candy 1 | Crankbrothers (2-bolt) | Small platform | 6° | Gravel, XC, trail | Check price |
| HT Components T2 | HT X1 series (2-bolt) | Slim enduro platform | 4° (X1) or 8° (X1F) | Trail, enduro | Check price |
Dual sided pedals usually means clipless pedals you can clip into on either side. People use the phrase for four different designs, so match yours before you buy:
| You want | What it is | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Clip in on both sides, with a platform or cage | Trail, enduro and touring clipless pedals | This page |
| Clip in on both sides, minimal body | Light XC, gravel and commuting pedals | Double sided clipless pedals |
| Clip on one side, flat on the other | Hybrid, commuting and casual pedals | Clipless pedals for hybrid bikes |
| No clips, ride either side | Flat pedals | Flat pedals |
If you are new to clipless systems, start with our clipless pedals guide.
A platform gives your shoe something to rest on beyond the cleat. That adds support with flexible trail or touring shoes, adds control on rough descents, and gives you a stable place to put your foot when you unclip mid-trail and pedal unclipped for a few strokes.
The trade-offs are weight, a little less mud clearance, and more to hit on rocks. For smooth gravel and racing, a minimal pedal is usually the better choice.
Choose the cleat system first, then match the platform to your riding.
Time’s Speciale pedals are another caged 2-bolt option where you can find them. All of these mount on 2-bolt mountain bike shoes, but cleats only fit their own brand’s pedals.
On a platform clipless pedal, your shoe tread should touch the platform once you are clipped in. If there is a gap, the platform does nothing; if the tread presses too hard, the cleat may not engage cleanly. Crankbrothers designs Mallet and Candy pedals around this contact and offers shims to fine-tune it, and cleat hardware covers shims for other systems.
Pins add grip when you are unclipped or half-clipped, which helps in enduro and downhill. They also make it harder to twist your foot into position, so trail riders often run shorter pins. Crankbrothers Mallet pedals have them; Shimano’s PD-M530 and PD-T8000 do not. Spare pins are on our pedal pins page.
A longer spindle moves your feet further apart. It helps if your heels rub the cranks or chainstays, as can happen on some e-bikes, but widens your stance. Crankbrothers sells long-spindle LS versions of the Mallet E for exactly this.
All pedals here use a 9/16” thread. Fit the left pedal counterclockwise.
Usually, clipless pedals you can clip into on either side. Some people also use the term for pedals that clip in on one side and are flat on the other; those are on our hybrid clipless pedals page.
For trail riding and flexible shoes, usually yes: the platform supports your foot and keeps you stable if you miss the clip. For racing and gravel, a lighter pedal without a platform from our double sided pedals page saves weight.
For a short distance, but the mechanism makes an uneven, slippery surface. If you often ride in normal shoes, choose a pedal with a flat side instead.
No. Mallet and Candy pedals need Crankbrothers cleats, and HT pedals are designed for HT cleats. Shimano SPD cleats fit Shimano and SPD-compatible pedals. See the cleats guide.
Long spindle. It moves the pedal further from the crank for more heel clearance or a wider stance, at the cost of a wider Q-factor.
Every pedal here uses a 9/16" thread, which fits two- and three-piece cranks on adult bikes. The left pedal is reverse threaded; see which pedal is reverse threaded.